FOOTBALL: Adam Davey sees red as Ilkley Town draw

ILKLEY surrendered two West Yorkshire League Premier Division points after a red card for Adam Davey led to the hosts salvaging a draw.

Ilkley started brightly and could have been 2-0 up after only two minutes.

Dave Hancock's strike was just about dealt with by Shelley keeper Paul Day, before Lee Spires saw his attempted lob fall just wide of the post.

When Toby Harris found the net minutes later the goal was ruled out for offside.

Following Davey's booking for a cynical foul, Shelley began to grow into the game towards the end of the half.

Nathan Addy went closest to scoring when he looped a header just over the bar.

Manager Simon Armstrong chose to keep Davey on the pitch for the second-half, despite the midfielder clearly showing signs of frustration.

Soon though, Spires relieved the tension, reacting quickest to Harris's cross to coolly head into the net.

The visitors' momentum was quickly stopped, as Davey saw red for a second bookable offence.

From here Shelley went on the front foot, and saw several chances to level pass them by.

Keeper James Hirst and Darren Munday kept Ilkley ahead with their determined efforts.

The Ilkley resistance was eventually broken, after James Bootland found space just inside the 18-yard box, before unleashing a ferocious strike into the top corner.

Harris had a late chance to snatch all three points for Ilkley, but his strike crashed against the crossbar.

Armstrong was shocked over Davey's dismissal. He said: "Adam (Davey) is not that kind of character usually and there was nothing nasty there, it was more a few clumsy challenges.

"I can't argue with his first yellow but the second, he stuck a leg out and I think it was a bit soft especially with a few of the challenges that happened after that which the referee didn't punish appropriately."

"That being said, this was definitely a point gained today. We were 1-0 up but then of course had the sending off with 30 minutes to go so all in all given the circumstances I am pleased with a point."

Ilkley now turn their attention to another of their promotion rivals in Leeds City, who visit Ben Rhydding Sports Club on Saturday.

Armstrong said: "I want us to be very competitive first of all. We have to be tight to them and I want us to play our game as opposed to trying to nullify theirs.

"That means playing with a quick tempo and since we are at home, take the game to them and get three points."

Ipsoregulated

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